Whether you’re up for some overnight beach raves or a tamer brand of fun, the island state has all the action you’ll need to welcome the new year in style. From Sentosa Island to Marina Bay, Singapore is primed to ring in 2013 with a bang.
Marina Bay Fireworks
A crazy pyrotechnic show will be set off from Esplanade Bridge and will be visible across the entire district. One of the best vantage points will be the Marina Bay floating platform, but you might want to get there early to reserve a space. Merlion Park is also a good place to watch the spectacle and near enough the launch area to hear the boom of each firework. The Fullerton Hotel is a great place to stay during the celebration, providing a front row seat to the sky-lit evening.
Take a spin on the Singapore Flyer
Party on at Siloso Beach
This 1.2 km beach has been sectioned off into five distinct party zones, each filled with concerts, music, dancing, eating and fringe activities like firewalking. And hey, if the countdown is getting too hot for you, why not dip in the giant foam pool to cool off? Don’t forget to don your board shorts and bikinis for a quick splash.
Marvel at the Christmas lights on Orchard Road
This 2.2 km-long shoppers’ paradise is bedecked with blue, purple and pink lights, holiday decor and massive Christmas trees. The Hotel Royal Singapore is just one of many accommodations near Orchard Road that will delight anyone who wants to stay in the middle of the action.
Skate at the Marina Bay Sands
A 600 m2 ice rink is spacious enough to support hundreds of amateur and experienced skaters. Adults can skate for S$7 an hour while children get to skate for S$6 an hour, exclusive of skate rentals and other related fees. All in all, a great New Year’s activity at Singapore’s newest iconic landmark.
Dine at the Clarke Quay Countdown
If you wish to avoid huge crowds on December 31, Clarke Quay’s restaurants, bars and clubs, provide a more intimate milieu. There is also the Christmas Weekend Bazaar for celebrants who wish to do a little post-yuletide shopping.
Not only is this a great place to witness the New Year’s fireworks show, The Flyer also provides a whole night of entertainment for customers. Fine dining, romantic music and various activities await those who place their reservations on New Year’s Eve. Without a doubt, the Singapore Flyer promises a very memorable night on December 31.
Join the Ultimate Circus Mayhem
Held in Central Square, this event will feature jugglers, tightrope walkers and other circus mainstays while groovy music blasts through the speakers.
Mix with locals at the Labrador Park Countdown
This get-together was organized by the Radin Mas Citizens’ Consultative Committee and the Hua Yuan Association to get various immigrant communities to assemble for an overnight celebration. The goal this year is to gather 10,000 celebrants from 10:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Both new residents and permanent citizens are especially invited to attend.
Singapore is a perfect city to ring in the New Year but crowds will be thick, so plan ahead if you want a hassle-free celebration.
